NETWORK PROVISIONING
PROJECT
BANDWIDTH-ON-DEMAND PROVISIONING (Proof of Concept)
Enabling dynamic scaling of network resources and a pay-per-use pricing model.
SUMMARY
Design an intuitive interface that simplifies the configuration of network parameters.
IMPACT
Enhanced Resource Efficiency
​Users were able to schedule and adjust bandwidth within minutes, enhancing response time and network efficiency.
Proof of Value
This POC established a solid business case that won my client a multi-million dollar business contract to develop the application.
Detailed case study
PROJECT OVERVIEW
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This case study details the design and functionality of a proof of concept (POC) for a network management tool aimed at service provider organizations. The application demonstrates the potential to empower users with flexible access to networking tools and systems, enabling dynamic scaling of network resources and a pay-per-use pricing model.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Organizations struggle with real-time bandwidth management due to rigid traditional provisioning methods, leading to resource inefficiencies. There is a need for a web application that enables users to request, manage, and schedule bandwidth on demand for an optimized experience.
WHERE TO BEGIN ?
I took a look at network processes to figure out the issues service provider network admins were facing. I put together a list of features for bandwidth provisioning and set up the info architecture. I also worked on improving the user experience by mapping out user journeys and creating a prototype. Plus, I managed the assets and added multi-language support while teaming up with the development crew.
PHASE 01
Research & Data Analysis
Interview Internal/ External Stakeholders
Product Manager
Network Admin
Network Engineer
CTO/VP of Engineering
(Customer)
Interview Techniques Used
Customer Workshops detailing the entire scope, definition and Q&A
Questionnaire
Competitive Analysis
Key Take-Aways
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Product was in the same space but offering only a cost insight
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Does not vaildate the availability of the service or facilitate actual provisioning
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Cluttered & Non-Intuitive layout
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The key input criteria ( of Data source) is lost in the top section above the map
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Only shows estimated cost
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Topology was static redering, not real-time
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Does not provide any scheduling service
Bandwidth Pricing Calculator from another service provider
The customer’s vision was for a groundbreaking product in a space that lacked such capabilities.
The app aimed to simplify the complex process network engineers and field technicians face when fulfilling requests.
Consequently, the UI needed to be robust, responsive (including support for older browsers), and streamlined.
Since network admins typically have limited experience with high-tech interfaces, intuitive workflows and relatable terminology were essential.
A visual representation of the topology was crucial for users to quickly grasp status and information.
DESIGN GOALS
User-Centric Interface
Create an intuitive design that simplifies the provisioning process.
Dynamic Provisioning
Allow users to request bandwidth easily and adjust their needs on the fly.
Integrated Calendaring
Implement a calendar feature to schedule bandwidth availability around user events.
Highlight Cost Efficiency:
Illustrate a flexible pricing model that allows organizations to pay only for the resources they utilize.
PHASE 02
Defining the Persona
Gary Scott
Network Admin
29 yrs
Male
Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science
Network certified​
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Loves sports
(Video games/gadgets)
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Fast food junkie
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Energetic
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Organized
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Talks technical always
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Network Performance Management
Gary's Role
Security
Bandwidth Monitoring
A day in the life of Gary...
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Provide technical oversight for a multi-site enterprise WAN, including planning, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
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Prepare and maintain documentation for network configurations and cabling layouts.
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Manage telecommunication needs.
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Design, deploy, and administer wireless infrastructure and supporting systems.
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Recommend upgrades, patches, and new applications or equipment.
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Train team members on new hardware and software.
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Research and recommend innovative, automated approaches for system administration tasks.
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Analyze and monitor server security; recommend and implement patches/fixes for vulnerabilities.
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Support hardware and operating systems for corporate and field environments (UNIX, Linux, Windows, storage, and tape library).
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Provide on-call and weekend support as needed.
KEY FEATURES
01
USER INTERFACE DESIGN
Main Landing Page: The POC features a streamlined landing page where users can configure network parameters, generate quotes, and visualize network services.
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Map Integration: A world map displays available data centers, allowing users to select source and destination nodes intuitively.
02
NETWORK PARAMETER CONFIGURATION
Location Selection: Users can choose source and destination data centers from the map or dropdown lists, providing a visual connection between nodes.
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Bandwidth Specification: Users can enter desired bandwidth values (0.5 to 100 Mbps) or select them using a slider for easy adjustments.
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Duration Configuration: Users specify the service duration through an interactive calendar and clock, with the UI calculating peak and off-peak hours.
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Latency and Resiliency Settings: Users can set latency levels (100, 250, or 500 milliseconds) and indicate their preference for service resiliency.
03
QUOTE GENERATION
The application calculates the total cost based on parameters, taxes, and applicable discounts.
Users can view and manage generated quotes, including options to edit or delete them.
PHASE 03
Mapping the User Flow/Journey
Create a New Bandwidth Provisioning Request
If Yes
Service 1
Service 2
Service 3
Parameter 1
2A
Source
Destination
Enter Source & Destination
Login
Login
Password
Sign Up
1
Landing page/Home
Pick a latency
Ms
Max 500 Ms
Select VRF
Source
Destination
2D
2E
Parameter 2
Mbps
Enter Bandwidth required
Start Date
2B
End Date
Start Time
End Time
Bandwidth Availability
Available
Availability check
Un Available
Submit Request
3
If NO, re-enter new parameters
View Summary
Create New Request
View Quote
Provision Bandwidth
Parameter 1
Parameter 2
Parameter 3
View and select list of Parameters required to provision bandwidth
Parameter 4
Parameter 5
(Confirm Calendar
Request & Submit )
3A
3B
Final Review
Review & Submit
Edit Request
4
2
Parameter 2
2C
Parameter 4
Parameter 5
Parameter 3
Pick a duration for this Bandwidth
Logout
5
PHASE 04
Wireframing
Wire framing Tool
.png
File Export format
PHASE 05
Prototyping
Iteration 1
 ENGLISH |  CHINESE |
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Iteration 2
 |  |  |
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 |  |  |
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Iteration 3
 HOME |  ORDER DETAILS |
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Final Prototype
POC for Chinese Telecom provider
 LOGIN |  HOME |  BANDWIDTH AVAILABILITY CHECK |  VRF DETAILS |  ORDER CONFIRMATION |
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 ORDER SUMMARY |  ORDER DETAILS |  EDIT ORDER |  DOWNLOAD/SEARCH |
TECHNOLOGY STACK
Frontend: React.js for a dynamic and responsive user interface.
Backend: Node.js and Express for handling requests and managing data.
Database: MongoDB for storing user data, bandwidth requests, and scheduling information.
APIs: Integration with third-party analytics tools for real-time monitoring.
TESTING
Usability Testing
Conducted multiple rounds of usability testing with real users to identify pain points and gather feedback on functionality. Adjustments were made based on user interactions and suggestions.
Performance Testing
Ensured that the application could handle high traffic volumes, particularly during peak provisioning times, to maintain reliability and responsiveness.
Conclusion
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The development of the Bandwidth on Demand Provisioning and Calendaring web application represents a significant advancement in bandwidth management solutions. By focusing on user needs and integrating flexible provisioning with an intuitive calendaring system, the application addresses critical challenges faced by organizations today. Future enhancements may include AI-driven analytics and automated provisioning to further streamline the user experience.
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Future Considerations
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User Training and Support: Developing resources to help users maximize the application’s features.
Feedback Loop: Establishing ongoing communication with users for continuous improvement and feature enhancement.
Scalability: Planning for growth in user base and data management capabilities as demand increases.